Lightning to kick off 2026-27 season with Lightning Launch Week

TAMPA BAY - The Tampa Bay Lightning are bringing the excitement of a new season to fans across the Tampa Bay region with Lightning Launch Week, a week-long celebration taking place from Sunday, September 27 through Saturday, October 3 ahead of the team's 2026-27 home opener versus the Washington Capitals at Benchmark International Arena.

From a vintage market celebrating Lightning history and culture to scavenger hunts, trivia and the inaugural Blue Cup Day, the week will feature events across Tampa Bay and give Bolts Nation a number of opportunities to celebrate the return of hockey season.

Along with the events listed below, the Lightning, in partnership with Benchmark International, will be making a major community contribution on October 1. More details will be announced at a later date.

LIGHTNING LAUNCH WEEK SCHEDULE

BOLTS VINTAGE X MEZZO MARKET, PRESENTED BY FLORIDA BLUE

Sunday, September 27

Lightning Launch Week begins on Sunday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Ford Thunder Alley with a curated vintage market, featuring throwback hockey culture, vintage apparel, local creativity and modern streetwear for a unique fan experience celebrating the team’s history and culture. In partnership with Mezzo Market, the event will feature over 40 vendors and activations touting apparel, collectibles and nostalgia vendors, along with a DJ on the Porch.

FIND THE BOLT

Monday, September 28 - Friday, October 2

Bolts Nation will have the opportunity to put their knowledge of Tampa Bay to the test during Find the Bolt, a week-long scavenger hunt taking place at locations throughout the region. Each day, a Lightning Bolt will be hidden at a secret location, with clues revealed through the team's social media channels. The first fan to locate the Bolt will win an exclusive prize each day.

LIGHTNING PILATES

Tuesday, September 29

The Lightning will bring fans together for an evening of fitness and fun at Armature Works, featuring a 90-minute Pilates session on the West Lawn with a live DJ, giveaways and special treats from Fit Bowl from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

LIGHTNING TRIVIA NIGHT

Wednesday, September 30

Bolts Nation can test their knowledge and win prizes during special Lightning-themed trivia rounds at four local venues as part of their existing trivia programming.

Participating locations include Pinellas Ale Works in St. Pete at 7 p.m., Tamiami Tap in Sarasota at 7 p.m., Top Shelf Sports Lounge in Wesley Chapel at 7:30 p.m. and The Blind Goat in Tampa at 8 p.m.

BOLTS WATCH PARTY, PRESENTED BY JAI ALAI

Thursday, October 1

Fans will gather for a Tier 1 watch party presented by Jai Alai to celebrate the Lightning's first game of the season versus the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. The event will begin at 7 p.m. with the location set to be announced at a later date.

BLUE CUP DAY

Friday, October 2

The Lightning are excited to introduce Blue Cup Day – a new signature, annual celebration marking the return of Bolts hockey. Featuring numerous coffee shops throughout Tampa Bay, the first 50 paying customers at each participating location will receive a limited-edition, commemorative Blue Cup and a chance to win a number of surprise giveaways.

Participating locations include The Lab (West Tampa & Seminole Heights), Shortwave (Channelside), Flatbread & Butter (Downtown Tampa & Downtown St. Pete), Lady & The Mug (Tampa), Intermezzo (St. Pete), Grove Surf Café (Indian Rocks Beach & St. Pete Beach)

LIGHTNING HOME OPENER, PRESENTED BY BENCHMARK INTERNATIONAL

Saturday, October 3

Lightning Launch Week will culminate with the Bolts taking the ice at Benchmark International Arena for the team’s home opener versus the Washington Capitals at 7 p.m. The afternoon festivities will begin at 3:45 p.m. with the return of the Lightning Blue Carpet Walk as the team will arrive and greet fans on Ford Thunder Alley. Attending fans will also have the opportunity to take photos with the Hart Memorial Trophy, Jack Adams Award and Vezina Trophy, which will be on-site after being won last season by Nikita Kucherov, Jon Cooper and Andrei Vasilevskiy, respectively.

To purchase tickets, please visit TampaBayLightning.com/tickets